Places to Camp near Benton Harbor, MI
Camping near Benton Harbor, Michigan
Benton Harbor, Michigan, offers a variety of camping experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a serene riverside spot, a family-friendly campground with plenty of activities, or a place to park your RV, you'll find it all near Benton Harbor. With beautiful beaches, lush forests, and well-maintained facilities, camping in this area is a great way to enjoy the natural beauty of Michigan.
From the sandy shores of Lake Michigan to the tranquil banks of the St. Joseph River, the campgrounds around Benton Harbor provide a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Here’s a guide to help you plan your camping trip, including what to do, what campers like, what you should know, and tips for families and RVers.
What to do
Camping near Benton Harbor offers a plethora of activities to keep you entertained. Whether you enjoy hiking, swimming, or simply relaxing by the campfire, there's something for everyone.
For beach lovers, Weko Beach Campground is a must-visit. It's just a short walk to the beautiful Lake Michigan beach, where you can swim, sunbathe, or take a leisurely stroll along the shore. As one camper, Cathleen, noted, "The best part, though, was having the beach 2 min from our doorstep. Can’t beat it!" Read more.
If you're into hiking, Warren Dunes State Park Campground offers great trails with stunning views. Katie A. shared, "Small campsites, but great hiking trails. Found lots of pawpaw fruit and loved playing on the beach after a nice hike." Read more.
For those who enjoy fishing, Shamrock Park on the St. Joseph River is an excellent choice. Brian O. mentioned, "What impressed me most was that they have a building specifically for cleaning fish, with scales, cutting boards, and sinks." Read more.
What campers like
Campers appreciate the variety of amenities and the beautiful natural settings of the campgrounds near Benton Harbor. Clean facilities, friendly staff, and convenient locations are some of the highlights.
At Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday, campers love the family-friendly atmosphere and the well-maintained amenities. Dan W. said, "Sites weren’t too tight. Campstore had everything incredible ice cream and pizza that could be delivered to your site. Bathrooms and showers were clean." Read more.
Van Buren State Park Campground is another favorite for its large sites and clean facilities. Regina noted, "Camp is clean and quiet. Bathrooms and showers are clean. Walking distance to the beach. Would visit again." Read more.
For those looking for a peaceful riverside retreat, Shamrock Park is highly recommended. Cecelia G. shared, "Stayed here for a single night, but we wished we had stayed longer. The sites were spacious and loved the river that was always in view." Read more.
What you should know
While camping near Benton Harbor has many perks, there are a few things you should be aware of to ensure a smooth trip.
Some campgrounds, like Weko Beach Campground, have sites that can be challenging to level due to sandy terrain. Richard S. mentioned, "Site was OK, but on a slope. Could not level out car because of sand. The tire just dug in." Read more.
At Van Buren State Park Campground, some campers have noted the lack of privacy between sites. Patty M. said, "Clean campground with large sites but no privacy between sites." Read more.
If you're planning to stay at Covert Park Beach & Campground, be prepared for strict rules and enforcement. Courtney K. shared, "This by far has been the worst experience we have ever had camping ANYWHERE. We were micromanaged from our sleeping arrangements, to our firewood, and were told that we needed to get in our tents and go to bed." Read more.
Tips for camping with families
Camping with kids can be a fun and memorable experience, especially when you choose a family-friendly campground with plenty of activities.
Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday is a great option for families. Sheri S. noted, "This is a great campground for kids. It has a splash pad, a jump park, and the pool." Read more.
At Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Holiday, there are plenty of activities to keep kids entertained. Cassie B. shared, "Lots of fun activities on the weekends for the kids and FREE! They have movie nights, we met Disney characters, did crafts, and enjoyed the barrel train & ice cream sundaes." Read more.
For a quieter family camping experience, consider Shamrock Park. Erik O. mentioned, "They have big playgrounds that the kids enjoyed. Along with horseshoes, basketball, and volleyball courts." Read more.
Tips from RVers
RVers will find several campgrounds near Benton Harbor that cater to their needs, with spacious sites and full hookups.
At Thousand Trails Bear Cave, Ian R. advised, "There are several low hanging branches and many tight sites. Call beforehand if you are 40' or bigger." Read more.
Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday offers convenient amenities for RVers. Tee D. shared, "Delivery service of food and firewood was great. Trash pickup was appreciated. WiFi reception was a welcomed surprise." Read more.
For those looking for a peaceful riverside spot, Shamrock Park is a great choice. Michael noted, "Village owned and operated campground, right on the St. Joseph River. Open all year. Many long term campers. $35 gets you a level full hook up site with WiFi." Read more.
Camping near Benton Harbor, Michigan, offers a diverse range of experiences for all types of campers. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly campground, a peaceful riverside retreat, or a place to park your RV, you'll find it all in this beautiful part of Michigan.